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Rajai Davis excited about what Cleveland Indians can achieve in 2018

After re-signing with the team following a 2017 season that saw him split time between Oakland and Boston, veteran outfielder Rajai Davis is excited about what the Cleveland Indians could achieve in 2018.
Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the eighth inning in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field.

CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Indians welcomed a familiar face back to the organization when they signed outfielder Rajai Davis to a minor-league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training with the Major League club on Saturday morning.

And after spending the 2016 season in Cleveland, just by walking into the clubhouse in Goodyear, Arizona, Davis found an immediate comfortable level.

“I didn’t realize how many familiar faces that I recognized here, that are still here,” Davis said. “I’m excited about this team and what this team is capable of doing.”

The Indians had a wealth of outfielders heading into the 2017 season, but there are question marks surrounding their health in 2018, namely what can be expected out of Michael Brantley after November ankle surgery to stabilize ligaments and Brandon Guyer as he continues his road back from a left wrist extensor tendon injury.

“I was just talking to my family and just knowing that my family really liked our stint when we were here, we were really excited about coming back, and when we heard the news, we were hoping that it would definitely work out for us,” Davis said.

Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammate Brandon Guyer (6) after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field.

With the Indians in 2016, Davis played 66 games in left field, where over 387.1 innings, he had 83 putouts, four assists and just two errors over 89 chances for a .978 fielding percentage.

Offensively, Davis hit 23 doubles, two triples and 12 home runs with an American League-best 43 stolen bases in 495 trips to the plate during the regular season, and he belted a game-tying home run late in Game 7 of the World Series.

“Definitely, I hear it a lot, but it was really a great team effort because if (Jose) Ramirez doesn’t get the infield single, Guyer doesn’t hit the double, that never happens,” Davis said of his home run off of them Chicago Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman. “I was just in the position to be able to capitalize on everyone else playing their part, doing their role, and I’m just thankful I was able to help us in that magnitude.

“Absolutely, everybody knew where they were, what they were doing at the exact moment when it was hit, and it was really great to hear all year. I don’t get tired of listening to it. It just brings new life, new energy.”

Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field.

Between the Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox last year, Davis hit .235 with 19 doubles, two triples and five home runs, but scored 56 runs and stole 29 bases.

And after just a couple days of working with the Indians, Davis senses the team is primed for another postseason run.

“I can already sense the hunger and the urgency here, so I think guys really, really, really want it, and I think guys are going to be willing to do what’s necessary to win,” Davis said.

“I was just talking to (Francisco) Lindor, and he said he wants to steal more bases this year. That right there, that drives me. The guy’s not satisfied with just that, but getting better. I think that’s what makes a great player, their will, their desire, that ‘this is not enough,’ not satisfied with where they’re at, not content with where they’re at, but wanting to get better.”

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